Start your summer off right with our weekly roundup of can't-miss events.
CELEBRATE
Dolores Park Reopening Celebration and Silent Disco Party
What: Dolores Park, San Francisco's famed hipster haven, will finally reopen its north side after a year and a half of construction. The prime real estate will once again become available for napping, reading, rolling, and people-watching. And what better way to celebrate the reopening than a silent disco party? Be sure to RSVP for your free headphones in advance—this event is sure to be a hit with everyone from the nearly-naked men of the beach to the see-sawing kids of the playground.
Why: Dolores Park's reopening restores the microcosm of SF culture to its full and glorious potential.
When: Bust out those dance moves from 3-7pm on Friday, June 19.
Where: If you don't know where Dolores Park is, do you really live in SF?
LISTEN
What: The 33rd Annual San Francisco Jazz Festival comes to a close this weekend with performances by the Robert Glasper Trio and Dr. Lonnie Smith. Check out the gorgeous new SFJAZZ Center and take in sweet harmonies during the annual music celebration.
When: The tunes run through the 21, with multiple performances by talented musicians each day. A full schedule can be found here.
Where: The Hayes Valley SFJAZZ Center, at 201 Franklin Street, hosts performers on three stages.
SOAR
Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic
What: The 25th annual Hot Air Balloon Classic takes off this weekend in the heart of Wine Country. Dozens of classic and character-themed balloons will take off bright and early on Saturday and Sunday morning, filling the sky with color. The family-friendly event also offers tethered balloon rides, giving you a taste of what it feels like to make like the wizard from The Wizard of Oz. Best of all: the event ends by 11am both days, giving you ample time to wine and dine around Sonoma before you head home.
When: When we say bright and early, we mean bright and early: gates open at 4:30am on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, and the not-to-be-missed Dawn Patrol launches at 5am.
Where: The balloons converge at Kieser Park in Windsor, just 10 minutes south of Healdsburg, at 700 Windsor River Road.
SHOP
What: Jack London Square's first Jack's Night Market of the summer brings together an eclectic collection of craft and food purveyors, live music, and local street performers. A spin on the classic farmers market, the Night Market adds a twilight setting to the usually early-morning ritual.
When: Starting June 19, you can shop for produce, mingle with local growers, and enjoy local brews along the waterfront from 6 to 10pm on the third Friday of each summer month.
Where: Stroll the market at Oakland's Jack London Square at Broadway and Embarcadero.
RUN
Summer Solstice 6, 12, & 24 Hour Run
What: Celebrate the longest day of the year by racing around Crissy Field for extremely long amounts of time. The hard-core test of endurance is slightly eased with beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge and a chance to participate in the prestigious Grand Prix event.
When: For all of you crazies, the 24-hour race begins at 8am on Saturday, June 20. For the slightly more sane, the 6- and 12-hour runs begin at 8am, 4pm, and 8pm.
Where: Lace up your shoes, grab your fully-charged FitBit, and channel Forrest Gump at the starting line at Crissy Field.
